Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Medano, Spain, especially with its inviting climate and ample sunshine. Knowing the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a key role in protecting your skin health over time. With midday UV readings soaring as high as 12, it's essential to stay informed about when to seek shade and apply sunscreen. El Medano's mild climate, coupled with its exposure to the sun, makes vigilance against UV radiation a vital component of outdoor enjoyment. Stay safe and enjoy the sunny days while keeping your skin protected!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 0 at 07:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. By 08:00, it slowly climbs to 1, still within the minimal risk range. The intensity rises steadily throughout the morning, reaching 2 by 09:00 and hitting 3 at 10:00. As we approach noon, the UV levels surge, peaking at an impressive 12 between 14:00 and 15:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index starts to drop, returning to 6 by 17:00 and gradually winding down to 2 by sunset at 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00, to enjoy the outdoors safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September. During this period, the index reaches extreme levels of 12, particularly in May, June, and July, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. In contrast, January starts with a moderate index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, but by February, the risk escalates to high with an index of 7. As the seasons progress, October marks a return to very high levels at 9, tapering to high levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when UV rays are strongest. Staying informed and vigilant can help mitigate the risks associated with increased UV exposure throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| El Medano | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |